ISS Explorer vs Space Station Tracker
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
ISS Explorer
Explore a detailed 3D model of the International Space Station. Rotate, zoom, and select individual components to learn about their function and systems. Organize your view by turning parts and labels on or off.
- Interactive 3D ISS model
- Rotate and zoom functionality
- Selectable parts with isolation
- Detailed information on components
- Hierarchical part organization
- Toggle parts and labels
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The ISS explorer is an interactive tool for exploring the parts and pieces of the International Space Station (ISS). The application allows the user to view a 3D model of the ISS, rotate it, zoom into it, and select different parts and pieces. When the application starts, you can see a view of the entire ISS with category labels. Tabs are available on the left hand side of the screen which allow you access to information, the hierarchy, settings and application information. From this point, you can zoom into the station, revealing more labels of visible parts. The station can also be rotated to view from different angles. If a part is selected, the part is isolated so that you can focus on the specific piece. The information tab shows information about the currently isolated part. Inside the hierarchy tab, you can turn parts on or off, turn labels for parts on or off, turn parts transparent, or select a part to focus on. The parts are organized in a hierarchy to allow for systems to be described and displayed. This includes things such as truss, modules, and external platforms. The Information tab shows information about the current isolated part, system, or the full ISS if the entire station is shown.
Space Station Tracker
Follow the International Space Station's live location on a globe and get alerts for visible flyovers at your exact location. Features a compass view to help you spot it in the sky.
- Real-time ISS location tracking
- Globe view with orbital trajectory
- Upcoming visible flyover alerts
- GPS-based viewing calculations
- Compass view for sky spotting
- Azimuth and elevation details
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Track the International Space Station in real time and see upcoming visible flyovers for your location. ISS Tracker helps you understand where the ISS is now, when it will pass overhead, and where to look in the sky. It is designed to be simple, useful, and privacy-first. LIVE GLOBE VIEW See the current location of the ISS and its orbital path on an interactive globe. The app displays approximately one full orbit and updates the station’s position with live telemetry, including latitude, longitude, altitude, and speed in miles or kilometers. UPCOMING VISIBLE FLYOVERS Find upcoming ISS flyovers based on your location. Viewing opportunities are calculated using your location and estimated visibility, helping you identify passes that may be visible to the naked eye. FLYOVER COMPASS VIEW Use the compass view to know where to look. Each flyover includes azimuth, compass direction, and elevation details for the start, maximum elevation, and end of the pass. PRIVACY-FIRST LOCATION USE Your location is used to show your position relative to the ISS and calculate upcoming flyovers. Location is requested only while using the app, and is never sent to third parties. The app does not use analytics, advertising, or tracking. ISS Tracker is built for skywatchers, space enthusiasts, educators, students, and anyone who wants a clear way to follow the International Space Station. Questions or feedback? Contact support@pacificaconsulting.io
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is review sentiment: ISS Explorer at 100% against Space Station Tracker's 50%. ISS Explorer also leads on rating (4.9 vs 4.6) and update cadence (every 10 months vs every 20 months). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
ISS Explorer holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.6. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 16 and 5 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 100% of ISS Explorer's written reviews are positive against 50% of Space Station Tracker's.
ISS Explorer ships an update every 10 months, Space Station Tracker every 20 months. The most recent releases landed on October 13, 2026 and October 4, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | ISS Explorer | Space Station Tracker |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.9 (16 ratings) — better | 4.6 (5 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews — better | 50.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 16 — better | 5 |
| Update frequency | Every 10 months — better | Every 20 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 — better | 17.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 747 MB | 4 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | NASA | Jaimeson Bilodeau |
Customer experience
ISS Explorer
Space Station Tracker
In-app purchases
ISS Explorer
No in-app purchases
Space Station Tracker
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is ISS Explorer free?
Is Space Station Tracker free?
Which has better reviews, ISS Explorer or Space Station Tracker?
Do ISS Explorer or Space Station Tracker have ads?
Which is updated more often, ISS Explorer or Space Station Tracker?
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